Sanaa:Rice production in South Korea is projected to experience a slight decline of 0.6 percent in 2026, primarily due to a decrease in the area devoted to rice cultivation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Data and Statistics estimates rice output will total 3.51 million tons in 2026, compared to 3.53 million tons the previous year. This anticipated decline follows a 1.1 percent reduction in the rice cultivation area, which has decreased to 670,000 hectares from 678,000 hectares.
The reduction in cultivation area aligns with government initiatives aimed at adjusting rice production, including providing support for farmers who transition to growing other crops. Regionally, South Jeolla Province and Gwangju are expected to produce a combined total of 738,000 tons of rice this year. South Chungcheong Province is projected to yield 689,000 tons, while North Jeolla Province is anticipated to produce 533,000 tons.
Despite rice being a traditional staple in the Korean diet, its consumption has been on a steady decline. This trend is attributed to dietary shifts and an increasing preference for wheat-based foods. The data ministry has announced plans to release the final figures in November.